Ko Olina News and Press Releases

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Chong’s culinary career was inspired by trips to the farmers market with his mother at a young age. With memories of his mothers’ homemade family meals, he set out to pursue his culinary career at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Chong returned to his Hawaii roots to display his refined culinary skills with local flavor.

When it comes to playing favorites among local ingredients, Chong’s top pick is fish. “There are so many ways to cook fish. I can use the entire fish from the head to fin. My fish of choice would have to be Hapu’upu’u, or Hawaiian sea bass,” Chong commented, “The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is great example of individuals from around the world coming together to enjoy locally inspired foods and dishes.”

With over 35 years in the culinary field, Jason Kina has served the crème de la crème from celebrities to professional athletes. As Executive Sous Chef at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, Kina uses his inspiration from the diverse ethnic and cultural landscape of Hawaii to deliver delicious meals to his guests.

“Participating in the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is a tremendous honor,” Kina commented, “As a returning chef who was born and raised on Oahu, I am humbled to cook alongside all of these great chefs. We will be featuring simple yet vibrant flavors in our dish, with an island style twist. You’ll have to attend to see and taste it for yourself!”

Find Kevin Chong and Jason Kina under the stars at the 2014 Hawaii Food and Wine Festival finale, “It’s a Food World After World” on September 7 at Ko Olina Resort along with other local culinary extraordinaires such as Vivian Wu, of Alan Wong’s, and Mark “Gooch” Noguchi of LUNCHBOX. Also in attendance to showcase their culinary skills, Cat Cora of Iron Chef America and Josiah Citrin of Mélisse – Santa Monica, CA.

For additional information and to Buy Tickets »
Tickets are priced at $200 per person; $500 per person for VIP seating.

About Ko Olina ResortKo Olina is a 642-acre master-planned resort community on the western shore of the island of Oahu. Resort partners include the iconic JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina, Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, Marriott's most successful vacation club product in the world, Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Disney's first family destination resort outside of its theme park developments, Ko Olina Golf Club, Ko Olina Station retail center and the state-of-the-art Ko Olina Marina. The resort, known as Oahu's premier vacation destination, also features seven pristine oceanfront lagoons connected by 1.5 miles of shoreline pathways, access to a diverse selection of ocean and outdoor activities and the island's best weather.